There’s a reason why Kacey Musgraves wears a crown on the cover of Pageant Material and it’s not because she’s wearing the prettiest dress or has the best endorsement for world peace. Thanks to her frank and honest lyrical wit, reigning over the US country charts has been a breeze. Having said that, it wasn’t long until her music would inevitably find a second home in the UK.
Perhaps it’s her ability to couple her effortless vocals alongside the jovial rhythms of her acoustics. Her pure notes and runs shine on the country twang of first track ‘High Time‘ and the charming uptempo ‘Dime Store Cowgirl‘, a piece that celebrates her humble beginnings, “You can take me out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of me.”
As previously referenced however, it’s Kacey’s lyrics which are often at the forefront. In the acapella chorus of ‘This Town‘ she explores those tight-knit communities that are often a little too close for comfort whereas in ‘Family is Family‘ (which sounds oddly reminiscent of a Spongebob Squarepants episode) she hilariously reflects on the dysfunctionality of family relationships whether “in church or in prison“. The link-arms hoedown ‘Biscuits‘ only continues this trend. Only Kacey Musgraves can get away with crudely singing, “Pourin’ salt in my sugar won’t make yours any sweeter/Pissin’ in my yard ain’t gonna make yours any greener” and yet still come out so likeable and loveable.
Kacey continues her commentary with the pipe-driven ‘Somebody to Love‘ and the cheerful melody of ‘Cup of Tea‘ which both share the same messaging of standing your ground, knowing that you won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but that’s okay.
What we don’t usually see from Kacey is her vulnerability and the potential flaw with Pageant Material is that it’s somewhat lacking in number, particularly as she does it so well. ‘Late to the Party‘ is an alternative attempt at a romantic country ballad as Kacey tells her beau that he’s the only party she’ll ever need. It’s penultimate track ‘Fine‘ that yields the most emotion though, rivalling previous album cut ‘Keep It to Yourself‘, the singer attempting to reassure herself of her beloved’s hopeful return.
Overall, Kacey’s music doesn’t just play, it speaks and even if her candour designates her as not exactly pageant material – it’s for this reason we wouldn’t have her any other way.
